Alcohol Consumption During Early Pregnancy: Risks and Concerns

Question
Hi Lawrence,
I just found out a few days ago I was pregnant, and with the help of a pregnancy calc online determined it is about 5 to 6 weeks along.. my boyfriend and I are still not sure what do to, but we are leaning towards keeping it. Here is our concern - up until I found out I have been a pretty heavy binge-drinker. While I was unknowingly pregnant, I drank heavily about 3 times a week, and sometimes would experience black-outs. Also I smoked pot once during that time and smoked cigarettes regularly. I am just being completely honest because I really need for you to know the facts so you can tell me what I need to know. I also was on Zoloft and quit that as well once I found out I was pregnant. Now I am not drinking, smoking or taking (100 mg) Zoloft anymore. However, I need to know what kind of risk I am looking at here as far as having an unhealthy baby goes.. I have also been experiencing moderate (sometimes severe, sometimes mild) cramping and abdominal pain, and it's very constant. There is rarely a minute that goes by without this pain. However, no spotting has occurred. I just need to know.. what is going on? What is the truth? What is the percentage that I will not have a healthy baby, free from FAS and other abnormalities? Please help.

Thank you,
Leah

Answer
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a condition that occurs later on in the pregnancy if you continue to drink. As long as you do not drink any alcoholic beverages from now on, you should not have any problems and the baby should be healthy. Marijuana has no ill effects during pregnancy, but smoking of cigarettes can cause fetal demise and miscarriage. I would stop smoking for the remainder of the pregnancy and, in addition, stay away from second hand smoke throughout the pregnancy. After the baby is born, do not smoke around the baby. If you need Zoloft during pregnancy, speak to your obstetrician. In some cases it is permitted. If you can do without the Zoloft, so much the better.